Tell me if you think I was wrong: Would you get mad if you bought a gift card and it was really scratched up?

Question

My awesome college instructor helped me win a really nice scholarship recently so I wanted to thank her. What better way than by giving her a gift card to her favorite restaurant The Cheesecake Factory. (or so I thought)

I drove all the way across town to buy it and when I drove ALL the way back home and pulled the card out to look at it it was all scratched up! Not little superficial things either, I had to look at the back to see if the silver part had been scratched off because it seriously looked like someone had already been carrying it around in their pocket for a month with change, keys, and cell phone rubbing against it.

For the record I didn't get to pick out/handle the card at the restaurant, they have them behind the counter. I asked for a card, the lady snatched one out of a box, placed it in the little gift envelope and handed it over. I'd usually check a purchase before leaving but who in the world has ever heard of buying a brand new scratched up gift card?! 

After debating I took it back and kindly asked for a replacement which the nice staff agreed to do. But the girl took out all the gift cards and lo and behold EVERY SINGLE ONE was scratched. WTH? She apologized and said it was probably because they keep them loose in a box and they rub against each other. For such a fancy place it seems they've never heard of rubber bands.

I suppose I could go back AGAIN and ask for a refund but who wants to wait 5-7 days to receive a card that might look just as bad. So now I'm stuck giving my instructor a less than perfect card which might seem silly but this scholarship meant a lot to me as did her help in getting it. :(

Common Sense · Accepted Answer

Gift cards do not get all worn out like yours was just by being in a box with other cards.  This company is more than likely recycling gift cards to save themselves some money.  The customers, like you said, scratch the cards to no end, turn them in to make a purchase, they are swiped clean and then reused for the next paying customer who wants a gift card.

I would call corporate headquarters and let them know that their gift cards are worn and are an embarrassment to give away as a gift.  Let them know that the gift cards are not new and it appears as though you are giving a recycled gift card you received two years ago as a re gift and unless they immediately send you a gift card, you will return the one you have and never buy gift cards from their establishment again.  Be nice about it and act more concerned rather than insulting them.  This will get their attention and perhaps they can send you another card immediately.

I would not let this go until I, as a paying customer, was satisfied.  I realize time is of the essence in your situation, but I would try my best to get a brand new gift card.

xK · Answer

Ask for a refund, then go buy one at Walgreens or whatever store you want.  Any store in my town that sells gift cards has gift cards for the Cheesecake Factory, even though the closest one is 2 hours away, lol.

ETA: I wouldn't get mad, but I would think you were dirt poor and giving me a potentially used gift card that you've had sitting around for a while.

Charles · Answer

Yes, I'd be mad.  But I'd give the teacher the card anyway, and explain that it looks "kind of beat-up, but they're all that way."  You can't spend the rest of your life on this problem.

L.O.A VIPERS VENOM · Answer

Get A refund then buy/download Hallmark card maker. You can do your own design! 
P.S yea I'd be pissed off too!!!

Anonymous · Answer

I used to buy from http://www.luxurysell.net/

sammi · Answer

only if the silver part was missing

Ryan · Answer

just get a card from somwhere else

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Tell me if you think I was wrong: Would you get mad if you bought a gift card and it was really scratched up?

7 Answers